The heartbroken family of a teenage girl who died after getting into difficulty in the River Teith, near Bridge of Allan, have paid tribute to “a clever, funny, and beautiful young girl”.
Nieve McIsaac, 14, died days after being air lifted to hospital following the tragic incident.
Nieve got into difficulty in the water, near to Carse of Lecropt Road, Bridge of Allan, at around. 5.50pm on Tuesday, July 12.
It’s understood she was pulled from the water by friends.
Emergency services attended and she was taken by Air Ambulance to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Glasgow, where she sadly died on Saturday, July 16.
In a statement, her shattered family said: “Nieve was a clever, funny, and beautiful young girl. She was a much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece, and we have been left devastated by her death.”
Police Scotland officers are providing support to Nieve’s family and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Detective Sergeant Craig Faulds, of Forth Valley CID, said: “This is a heartbreaking incident. The family has asked that they be given privacy at this very difficult time and I would like to ask the public and media to please respect the family’s wishes as they deal with their unimaginable loss.”
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A family friend has urged football fans to stage a minute’s applause at Ibrox in Nieve’s memory. Steven Morton took to social media to post: “I’d love to encourage all Rangers fans to start a minute’s applause on the 14th minute on August 6 against Killie! Please share far and wide for a girl who’s personality matched the Ibrox roar.”
Bridge of Allan Parish Church also paid tribute. They posted: “Our hearts break and sorrow floods tears down our cheeks.
“We hold Nieve and her family in our hearts and in our prayers, knowing that there are no magic words, and at times like these prayers never feel quite enough.
“We trust that Nieve will live on in the love that was hers, both given and received.”
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart, a Bridge of Allan resident, said: “Learning of the young girl’s truly shocking, tragic and unnecessary passing a few days ago was heartbreaking...my heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.”
He added: “Entering open water during such days may seem appealing to youngsters, however due to the huge differential in temperature they can very quickly be overcome by the shock of the cold water which can very quickly make swimming difficult, then significantly increase fatigue and trouble with getting out, with disastrous results.”
The incident is the second water-related tragedy this month. We previously told how a man died after getting into trouble in the water near a Crianlarich beauty spot.
Emergency services were called to the Falls of Falloch and the body of a 24-year-old man was later recovered by police divers. Police said there were “no apparent suspicious circumstances” surrounding the tragedy.
Mr Stewart also said that not enough is done to prevent water tragedies. He has called for local authorities across Scotland to do more to reduce the number of water-related fatalities. Mr Stewart said: “Time after time we hear of such horrific incidents especially during exceptionally hot spells, but equally as distressing is that not enough is done by local authorities to prevent these appalling incidents from happening.
“As a former councillor (at Perth and Kinross Council) of many years, I’m acutely aware of these dangers. During that time, I was convenor of community safety and we put together a highly successful campaign in Perth and Kinross. Working alongside the police, fire and rescue and ambulance services we were able to really make a difference and as such, I know that with a will to do it, similar can be done here.
“A co-ordinated effort by Stirling Council in liaising with the emergency services, with a structured initiative would make a significant difference to water safety across the region.”
Last month, Stirling Council urged visitors to popular waterway to stay safe as part of Drowning Prevention Week.
Stirling Council has an active role in teaching about water safety and survival swimming in its swimming programme for primary school pupils, with the certification also teaching vital lessons including ‘float to live’.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment and Housing Committee, Cllr Jen Preston last month told the Observer: “Sadly, this is the time of year when we hear so many tragic stories of people drowning, including children, causing heartache for families and friends.
“During the summer holidays when more families will be visiting inland water areas across Stirling, it’s vital we all raise awareness of the hidden dangers.
“There is fantastic educational work taking place in our schools about how pupils can be safe around open water and what to do should the worst happen, but I would encourage parents and carers to reinforce this message at home to minimise the risks.”
Kenny Auld, Head of Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, added: “Being close to or going into the water is very appealing during these warmer summer months, whether that’s just a picnic with friends on the loch shores, a dip to cool down or enjoying activities like swimming or paddle boarding.
“It is important though to understand the risks and to know how to enjoy the water safely. Even when it’s hot, the water in lochs is very cold and can cause cold water shock, even in experienced swimmers.
“Going into a loch is very different to going into the sea, where the water gradually gets deeper. Lochs often get deep very quickly with sudden, steep drops close to the shore.”
Stirling SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed this week said: “Many of these tragedies are due to occurrences such as a trip or fall, or underestimating the effects jumping into or swimming in cold open water can have – such as ‘cold water shock’. It is truly heart breaking when lives are lost so suddenly and I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic deaths of two young people this month. I would encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with safety measures by following the Water Safety Code developed by Water Safety Scotland.”
